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Commentary on the state of governance in Dominica

A fellow Dominican - Friday, June 22nd, 2018 at 11:14 AM

This commentary is about the state of governance in this country and the manner in which unsuspecting citizens are being taken on a ride to nowhere.

– It is about a political leader (not a prime minister) who spends most of his time raising money and campaigning for the entire period of his term.

– it is about a cabinet that seems obligated to one man and even if they would hold a different opinion (one of conscience), they do not have the guts or honesty to speak out even if it means sacrificing a ministerial or other high position.

– it is about a political leader who has demonstrated to the citizens of this land that the only things that matters is MONEY, no matter where it comes from.

– it is about a political leader who uses psychology to fool the masses of the people to believe that while he is alive, no one else should lead this country. This gentleman must realize that even in great nations like the United States, people like Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, George Bush and other prominent world leaders are currently and have been private citizens for a long time.

– it is about a political leader who spends substantial amount of time and resources to demonize and humiliate opposition members to the point where the people actually believe him and follow his insulting and denigrading characterization of anyone who is of a different political thinking.

– it is about a political leader who uses all instruments of state such as the public service, police service, the courts, cabinet members, village councils, the media, the clergy and some private sector businesses and personalities to control practically all activities in the state.

– it is about a political leader who awards “no bid contracts” to overseas companies without advertising for bids from the Dominican population. Both the west bridge and the river-dredging projects were awarded to Barbadian and Trinidadian companies. This is really an insult to the people of this country and lack of sensitivity to the high rate of unemployment. All profits from such contracts go to other economies while our people continue to suffer.

– it is about taking a very powerful and necessary ministry like Public Works and convert it to the administration of a board of directors controlled by that same leader. Because of this irresponsible act, our roads, highways and other public works projects are in such disarray. Roads repairs are given to unqualified, unskilled and inexperienced persons – their only qualification may be political support.

– it is about a political leader who has brought a new meaning to “security detail”. It is being said that when he moves around the country even on simple personal matters, there is a motorcade of at least three vehicles. Last week, there was heated debate on the media by persons who claim that the leader’s children also receive security detail to/from and during school. Folks, this is at tremendous cost to the state while there are insufficient police officers to respond to emergencies and other routine calls.

– it is essentially about a leader who travels overseas sometimes to do state’s business without the public and in some cases his own aides and advisors not knowing his whereabouts.

– it is about a leader who has used the power and resources of the state to keep the masses of the people ignorant and by playing on their minds (especially after Hurricane Maria), pledges and promises all kinds of things that he cannot deliver.

– it is about a leader who uses financial and other aid from friendly countries and institutions to play politics by using unelected members (caretakers) of his party to do the distribution. As a result, the most needy and affected persons do not receive or marginalized if they are not demonstrated supporters of his party.

– it is simply about WINNING ELECTIONS and remaining in office for as long as he wants. He did make a statement once, that he would be in office until his second son is ready to succeed him (words to that effect).

Fellow Dominicans, for those of you who still were in doubt about the motives of this leader, you should now be convinced that he wants a ONE-PARTY STATE, of course, ruled by one man – himself.

Once he achieves that, we have lost it all – it will be A DICTATORSHIP. Addressing a crowd in the north last week, that leader said it is foolishness to have an opposition –“ we do not need an opposition in Dominica…”

Just that basic statement leaves the door open for the members of his cabinet to decide whether they agree with him or whether they oppose that view. Silence is not an option. If they are serious about democratic rule, they should publicly denounce that pronouncement by their leader.

We have been taught that DEMOCRACY is government by the people, for the people; it is usually referred to as representative government. In practice, there has always been a governing body and an opposition which keeps checks on the government.

However, fairness and equity would require the government to allow the opposition to do its work and grant them the necessary resources to accomplish such work. In fact, the opposition party or parties are not enemies of the government; their job is to ensure that truth and justice prevails through honesty and transparency.

The current leader does not see that as necessary. He wants NO OPPOSITION. He is saying to the public at large that he does not want anybody to question him or his motives and he shall do and say whatever he wants. Here is the danger with that kind of thinking. This would essentially give that leader unlimited power to run this country and no one can stop him.

What is a DICTATORSHIP: It is an authoritarian form of government characterized by a single leader or group, with either no party or a weak party, little mass mobilization and limited political pluralism. A common aspect that characterized dictators, is to take advantage of their strong personality, usually by suppressing freedom of thought and speech of the masses in order to maintain political supremacy. Dictators usually employ political propaganda to decrease the influence of proponents of alternative governing systems.

In a manuscript called SILENT WEAPONS FOR QUIET WARS, the writer captions “The Political Structure of a Nation – Dependency” to demonstrate human behavior towards politicians and I quote-Pg 39:

“The primary reason why individual citizens of a country create a political structure, is a subconscious wish or desire to perpetuate their own dependency relationship of childhood. Simply put, they want a human god to eliminate all risk from their life – pat them on the head, kiss their bruises, put a chicken on every dinner table, clothe their bodies, tuck them in bed at night and tell them everything will be alright when they wake up in the morning. The public demand is incredible, so the human god, the politician, meets incredibility with incredibility by promising the world and delivering nothing. So, who is the bigger liar? The public or the godfather? This public behavior is surrender born f fear, laziness and expediency. It is the basis of the welfare state as a strategic weapon useful against a disgusting public.”

If you are interested, you can read the full text of “SILENT WEAPONS FOR QUIET WARS” online and it will awaken your spirit of what is going on in Dominica. This was written with countries like the United States and other big countries in mind but over the years, we have seen the “hubris” syndrome in so many countries large and small, that they all seem to follow the same pattern of not wanting to leave office; in some cases, even if the electorate vote them out, they resist.

In Dominica, this should be very easy. We have a leader that has publicly pronounced that he does not want any opposition, thus changing our political way of life such as what they saw in Haiti for decades and most recently and currently in Venezuela.

The clock is ticking and that is what we can do as patriots of this land to avoid this situation. We are certain that cabinet ministers are not in favor of the leader’s strategy but are afraid to object for fear of retribution.

This is what elected members can do, bearing in mind that it is they who choose the leader of the country after victory at the polls:
– Call an emergency cabinet meeting and select a new leader with or without the participation of the current leader. If you could do this you will have done a great service to your country and save it from this man that now holds the office. A simple but profound act of bravery.

A few decades ago, there was a certain popular non-political leader here in Dominica, who used to threaten his members every year at the Annual General Meeting by telling them “if you don’t vote for me you don’t have a job tomorrow”. He was successful for many many years. One thing they never learnt was that if they did not vote him in, he would be out of a job.

So those of you who are partners with your leader, please take a page from that book and learn that with all the power he is exerting, if the majority of you can come together and select a new leader without his approval, you will have saved Dominica from a lot of problems. I know it needs trust from among you but it is certainly doable.

If you cannot get a majority to agree, call a special session of parliament and join with the opposition in a “no confidence motion” against him. This country’s problem is solved and the country can look forward to a fresh new start without all these controversies. Like St. Kitts/Nevis, one of you will get the opportunity to become the political leader and prime minister. After all these years don’t you think you deserve it like Dr. Timothy Harris of St. Kitts/Nevis?
– Another way to get this man out of office is for the people of his constituency to vote against him. This is much more difficult since he spends millions of dollars there to ensure victory at the polls. With a well-planned and organized ground strategy, an opposing party can expose the unsuspecting public in that constituency of the problems of that candidate and mount a very aggressive campaign to unseat him.

I will end by advising all Dominicans from all political parties to consider what I have enumerated above and come together to end this divisiveness and hate that is going on in Dominica.

One last thing to think about is this: Assad, the President of Syria may feel within himself that he is right in all he does; he continues to blame opposition forces but millions of people have fled and hundreds of thousands have been killed while he continues his reign of terror.

Do we want to see Dominica get to that point?

I hope not.

Thank you.

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I have done the research and I remain unconvinced that the development of one small state can be hinged on one man.
The history of politics in Dominica shows varied approaches used for “a path to development”. Attitude makes a difference. Change begins with oneself not the other.
Imagine what this country could be like if each person acted as if they were responsible for the future of Dominica. Just imagine! Then do it.

Anestine, I hear you, but leadership is key and to move forward you need a well experienced, qualified person in 2018 to understand socio economic development hat you r people can be guided This corrupt Labour government are involved in Bin Bobol nd fertilizer Bobol. That is referred to as thievery especially caught with their pants down, said it was a mistake, so these thieving clowns knew what they were doing and did not expect to be caught by Hon Linton.
Skerrit is a failure and appears to be managed by unscrupulous bandits form a rotten corrupt Labour government with friends outside the circle appears to be ill advising him, so he is like a puppet on a screen.
Domininca is 25 years behind , all due to poor leadership, thievery, a Red Clinic , dismantling of the social service and village councils. These institutions have been abandoned and lacks resources. It is a one man dirty, corrupt show and your have satanic priest and pastors preying on him and praying for him
Skerrit…

This is all well and good and I agree with you. But at the same time we can not stand by and watch one single man robbing our country blind. Furthermore, I do not believe that DA will prosper with this man as PM. He does not want the country to prosper and ALL it’s citizens. He wants to establish a state similar to Russia where only a chosen few prosper and the rest just gets by.

“Change begins with oneself not the other.”?? is this statement for real? So you are telling me a baby, given birth, mother, father, parents are irrelevant and the growth and development of that baby/child begins with oneself” What madness is this I am reading. Any and everything to defend and protect Skerrit has been quashed and thrown into the Labour government trash bin. No one believes this nonsense.
Anestine, where you got theory from, I don’t know but I hope not from the school of intelligence research and analysis. I am of th conviction that you got this garbage from the failed political school and company from the circle of inept failed Skerrit. Do not come on DNO again with this garbage. Please go consult a social analyst, your teacher or lecturer. I don’t want you making a fool of yourself again with the aim to defend and protect Skerrit and his corrupt gang of worthless people. They help Skerrit and his rotten government to kill Dominica lack of production & jobs and…

Isn’t it obvious that the intention of the faceless writer (fellow Dominican) of this commentary is to distract readers from the most recent exposure of the immaturity of the Leader of the UWP with his admission of misleading Dominicans because he didn’t take time to familiarize himself with the contents of the draft legislation which he now says he has no difficulty with!

Ras, absolute rubbish. “Immaturity ?” Isn`t this the same Hon, Linton that this failed incompetent corrupt Labour Government has been trying to get rid off for years now. Hon Linton stands firm and strong and it is obvious that Skerrit cannot and will never raise to the standard of Hon Linton. Skerrit is not known as one who is intellectually knowledgeable. Skerrit is spontaneous and lacks qualitative knowledge and skills but best operates a Red Clinic where he has poor people come to him for cash as beggars. To this day these poor people are still in deep poverty. Domininca is in deep poverty, so go talk to Skerrit and his corrupt gang to get lost, get out of office and they have shamed Dominica and Dominicans.
This corrupt Labour Government and its failed ministers of 18 is the worse thing to hit Dominica, pass Hurricanes David, Erica, Janet, Maria etc.

Wow, what an expression of despair, yes that’s what it is. The value of this opinion can only be measured by the writer of this commentary who willfully chooses to ignore facts, and taking comments out of context. This whole commentary is largely based on a presumption of guilt. The only person who is taking the citizens of Dominica on a ride to nowhere without their knowing is Lenox Linton. As to the closing remarks regarding Assad, the President of Syria, this shows gross ignorance regarding the conflict. If you do not understand something why make such ludicrous statements and ask silly questions. This just concludes that you cannot be taken seriously and you are entitled to your opinion.

Real BS, no nonsense talk. It Hon Linton had taken Domininca for a ride, he would not have discovered the Bin Bobol and Fertilizer Bobol that Skerrit government lied to the Domininca people and when Hon Linton presented the evidence they said it was a mistake. Someone in there crafted and executed the thievery of states funds where there was a conflict of interest, meaning a minister brother in Pennsylvania received the cash to purchase against all government’s financial procedures.
Hon Linton Exposed them and then they said it was a mistake when they were all caught with their pants down. These guys performed the best insider thievery ever done in Domininca. That is why they are scared of Hon Linton and UWP forming they next government.
so called bunch f thieves. Domininca is now a failed state with high corrupt=ion like Haiti, that’s why Haiti is also a failed state because if Papa Doc and Baby Doc. this is where we are.

The danger to Dominica is not Skerritt, but a citizenry capable of entrusting a man like him with leadership. It will be far easier to limit and undo the follies of this gov’t than to restore the necessary common sense and good judgment to a depraved electorate willing to have such a man for their leader. The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Skerritt, who is a mere symptom of what ails Dominica. Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince. Dominica can survive Skeritt,who is after all, merely a fool. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools, such as those who made him their leader.

Parents are in charge of the house and family, that it is disciplined, apply discipline and guide their children. some of These parents gamble, out all night, abandoned children and you tell me absentee of children and parents out drunk, home late, engaged in bobol activities in their villages and you tell me to blame the children and not the Father, mother and those in their company?
JBaptiste, stop being in denial and blind to the reality of the s*ituation in Domininca and within the government service. I am in there, I see it all, we know it all, but cant talk. That is how our current governance is very dangerous. We have a bunch of incompetence ministers and a bunch of boom boom flies hanging about for scrubs….

Dominica shouyears ld be sanctioned by the Americans and the Europeans. when the people want a communist state so they should get a communist state. Thank goodness I left years ago. Sorry for those that oppose the current government and followers. Funny to see th red shirts pull up to the tit of their leader for their daily $1. Foolish people. Funny watching you all. Another Venezuela in the making, then the cruise ships and tourist will stop. LOL

Why are you so self-centered. Hope that wherever you went you have made it a paradise and satisfied with the way you are governed. Why do you feel sorry for those that oppose the current government and followers, are they being persecuted and imprisoned. Pity you for calling your fellow Countrymen foolish. To suggest that Dominica will become another Venezuela shows gross ignorance on your part.

Domininca is already there. Poverty, poor governance, corruption, poor leadership, stolen elections, just like Haiti and Venezuela. We are there kike Haiti for sure, and we are catching up ith Venezuela, a country with a lot f oil etc and the people are suffering, dying, sick and the increase of poverty. The past leaders like Chavez nd bus driver Maduro have failed their people and weak in leadership and strategic planning. Its all about me……………..me that leader. I am in control of my people and my country. That is where Venezuela is today.

Well-loved. Like or Dislike: 143mike mayaJune 23, 2018

The destruction of Dominica continues and after 14 long years of poor to no economic governance we now import more alcohol than all our exports combine, you dont have to be a red head or blue head to see that dominica is a failed state, the housing revolution and other social programs have failed everywhere else it have been tried is only a tool to keep idealess inept and incompetent leaders in power.

Why would you write such nonsense as though it’s true. Do you really believe that Dominica imports more alcohol than all it exports combine, if you can make such ludicrous statements without evidence why can you be trusted with the other things you have said. You ignoring facts and evidence does not
alter the reality of the things that are taken place in the Country.

Mike, ignore Gary please, he talks like a fake failed boom-boom fly. They buzz about with nothing of substance to say, but repeat the same rubbish to everyone. Why?, because he and the other blind loyalist of this fake corrupt failed Labour Corrupt government have no substance to convince us. They more we write the truth, the more they respond with the same old rhetoric.

I see the struggle inside Financial Centre everyday.

Hot debate. What do you think? 617Kathleen GeorgeJune 22, 2018

Save this illerate comment for the stupid and negative people.Ur entitled to u comment .How can DA move forward with comments like this.Get off u high horse and do something positive for u country.Come do some Nation building. Can u do better than the one ur talking about? Then start now!!!#or else shut up!!!

Kathleen, it takes a comment like yours to conclude that the current status of Domininca has unfolded to one of severe poverty due to the current corrupt leadership in power, that is a failed and inept Prime Minister and a very scared cabinet who are worried that they will be kicked out of office by a Red Shoe. I see the melee everyday from where I sit and meet disgruntled high raking people within the government service who moan, but unable to cry loud due to political victimisation, as they say “”this Prime Minister Skerrit is a failed PM and solely responsible for the poverty and state our dear island is in today”. There is nothing that any civil servant can do and say currently to awake people including you and those blind labourites who receive frequent cash in envelops or via the Red Clinic to fool and have these desperate people remain loyal to this corruption and corrupt Labour government under an inexperienced Skerrit & knows nothing of Socio-Economic development. Skerrit…

Anon, Ignore “Say What”, he and others have nothing of substance to Say or talk about. They know Skerrit has failed big time and his incompetent ministers have no knowledge of social-economic development let alone to educate Skerrit on the decency and Protocal of development. Our people are now beggars and in deep poverty.
Skerrit and his corrupt Labour Party have failed us Dominicans big time. They must go

Hot debate. What do you think? 617Say what?June 22, 2018

You are currently an outsider WHO didn’t live here so you are simply dictating your political rethrotic and demogroy. We are educated enough to know a phoney. Thanks give YOUR wishes to Donald Trump. Get a life. Anyone who writes an article and don’t have the character or BALLS to say who they ARE is a sham and a coward. Enjoy a bitter life of hatred and resentment.

Say What!!!!!????? Mr. Clown, what is your name. You disguise your name with “So What” and you have audacity to complain of this brilliant author`s article, which all students, civil service and blind Dominicans should read. Wake up, join the fight to get rid of this immature political clown in office as PM and his failed Corrupt Labour Government.
Skerrit Must Go

HATER hater that’s your opinion. I personally share a different senero. MOTHER nature time and time again has struck the island, how can YOU blame anyone. Today the Laplain area is completely cutoff, do you blame anyone? Presently there are more born Dominicans living overseas than in Dominica. Most Dominicans are lazy with no working ethics. Not even the cleaning person or the yardman wants to work past 12:00 noon. The market is in the hands of the Haitians. House work or Handyman is the Haitians! Go to Newtown, Grand Bay, Mahaut, Portsmouth, and the market any hour of the day or night then talk. Your political agenda is full of unsubstantiated allegations. Yes I have lived all my life in the LAND of MILK and HONEY , I left it all behind for a life of simplicity and tranquility. We have a unique paradise instead of downgrading it let’s be patriotic and lift it up. My none born Domincan children, who are Professors just love their MAMA’S birthplace.

I wonder what is it you are saying, and what really are y9u trying to achieve with this comment.
I agree with your point re the Haitians and work, but they, the Haitians are bot to blame. Before the Haitians and Skerrit we had a thriving agricultural market and we exported agricultural produce to t. Kitts, Anguilla, Antigua, Montserrat, Virgin Islands etc. Etc…
Whatever happened to these produces and businesses…..? Who killed it…..? Who was in government them …? answer Skerrit and his corrupt Labour regime. That corrupt Labour government under this failed Pm, killed our productivity and turned our people to beggars, through the Red Clinic, Passports sales to ole teeth foreigners, a very big, over expensed Cabinet, most of them illiterate to politics and good governance. So from where I sit upstairs the statistics I read and know that we have been in serious economic trouble for many years, created by Skerrit and his band of worthless Cabinet and blind civil servants…

This commentary no doubt described the Dominica Skerrit has completely destroyed. Just think we are in 2018 and a commentator, who claims to be a Dominican, is afraid of identifying himself /herself, no doubt because of fear of victimization. Dominica is messed up and destroyed for good and I, am done with this stupid country. I just can’t believe Dominicans would sit there and allow Skerrit to destroy their country. But then again most Dominicans are beggars and they have a leader that knows how to put them on crouches so they could comeand bow their knees to him for their bread.

I feel your pain, and many others do feel this pain and has been suffering for 18 years now under failed Skerrit.. 18 years in power and this worthless Labour government has failed us. They are happy and our people are in deep poverty.

What kind of “Dumb” questions is this..?
I`m looking forward to this “Dumb” commentary with interests. Nice one DNO, applauds your openness and professionalism. That we cant say of this PM Skerrit. He has failed us. I am hoping that Skerrit too is able to send in a commentary, but please do not dub your name Dumb, its already taken, so check th Thesaurus for a complementary name that May raise your standard and failed portfolio.

This commentary gives a true and unvarnished picture of what obtains politically, at present, in Dominica. Politicians are at the top of the food chain when it comes to corruption. The longer a politician stays in power, the more corrupt and corruptible he becomes. Every Dominican should make a careful and objective assessment of the country for the past eighteen years under the DLP and Skerrit’s misleadership. All sectors of the economy have been grossly mismanaged. Joblessness is astounding, agriculture is dying, manufacturing is virtually non-existent, roads are suffering from pothole disease and anxieties and sufferings are at an all time high. The Misleader is singularly preoccupied with winning elections. The people are only viewed as votes to be had. Every word and action from the Manipulator is all about retaining power. His eggshell ego, which is easily bruised, doesn’t allow him to tolerate even constructive criticisms. He has to go for the country to soar.

I laugh at the things you say.You are asking every Dominican to make a “CAREFUL and OBJECTIVE” assessment of the country for the past eighteen years under the DLP but are you willing to do such thing yourself. Your own words “CAREFUL and OBJECTIVE,” it means expressing or dealing with facts or conditions as perceived without distortion by personal feelings, prejudices, or interpretations
You are asking people to do something which you have never done nor willing to do, isn’t that a double standard and you want to be taken seriously.

Gary. One word……..Rubbish..
Please wake up, go read, take a walk about Roseau, go o the villages and got see poverty and lack of development. When yo have done this, com back tell u8s. ..but n the meantime please hold on to pen and your irrelevant opinion andanalaysis

Like or Dislike: 00mike mayaJune 26, 2018

Gary get off the island dont have to go far go to St lucia, Antigua, or St kitts and you will understand leadership what we have in Dominica is a clownfest and the joke is on Dominicans to keep the show going on for so long .

Like or Dislike: 42Roland MitchellJune 22, 2018

I know that we are anxious for progress in Dominica, but sometimes we have to make two steps backwards and one step forward. That is life.

Every leader is given enough rope to hang himself. If at the end of his tenure, the country has not improved, then Mr Skerrit has to bear the blame.

We had similar leaders like Patrick John, who were once powerful men, and look at him now. Leaders are only mortal. When they have run their course, they burn out. If they have done good, it will be noticeable, If they have done bad, it too, will be noticed.

In Dominica, every family must try to make themselves self sufficient in food. i.e meat, milk, vegetables, carbohydrates. This is the only way to succeed. Depending on the government to succeed, is futile. With individual self sufficiency, we will have the strength to make progress.

Roads, Hospitals, Police, Medicine, Education have to be provided by the individuals where possible. Forget reliance on the state.

What n earth is this Peeping Tom talking about.? Stop peeping from your undisclosed territory and join the fight to kill coru0tion in Domininca. We need to get rid f this Skerrit Led Corrupt Labour government.

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